Apple, Google and other companies agree to new privacy policy standards
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Some readers might remember the recent debates regarding the privacy policies of mobile applications, or those unfamiliar with the story, a few apps were collecting the private data of their uses without their knowledge or consent.
Now California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris has announced an agreement with Apple and five other tech companies including Google, Amazon, HP, RIM, and Microsoft, that will see all companies implementing new standards for displaying privacy policies for apps that collect personal data. The press release described the agreement:
The agreement with the platforms is designed to ensure that mobile apps comply with the California Online Privacy Protection Act. The Act requires operators of commercial web sites and online services, including mobile apps, who collect personally identifiable information about Californians to conspicuously post a privacy policy.
What is good for the users is that the new agreement will force Apple and the other companies to implement a method of displaying a privacy policy to the user before an app is downloaded. According to information released by the Attorney General, he plans to meet with the companies in six months to assess the progress of the agreement, Attorney General Harris said the following about the agreement:
“Your personal privacy should not be the cost of using mobile apps, but all too often it is..This agreement strengthens the privacy protections of California consumers and of millions of people around the globe who use mobile apps. By ensuring that mobile apps have privacy policies, we create more transparency and give mobile users more informed control over who accesses their personal information and how it is used. California has a unique commitment to protecting the privacy of our residents. Our constitution directly guarantees a right to privacy, and we will defend it. Forging this common statement of mobile privacy principles shows the power of collaboration — among government, industry and consumers — to create solutions to problems no one group can tackle alone.”
Those interested can find the full PRESS RELEASE HERE
